Driver hierarchy likely for Ferrari

UPDATE Kimi Raikkonen has conceded that, should he not raise his game in the next few grands prix, there is a very good chance that he will be asked to play a tail-gunner role for Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa in the Formula One championship race. Asked whether he could imagine the scenario where he has to support the Brazilian, despite 'team orders' not being permitted by the regulations, Raikkonen admitted that 'it can happen'.

09/05/08 (GMM) After saying there is currently no driver hierarchy at Ferrari, team boss Stefano Domenicali has cleared the path for the situation to change in the near future.

With McLaren's Lewis Hamilton 6 points clear in the championship, some have suggested that Felipe Massa's advantage over the struggling Kimi Raikkonen is reason to appoint a number one with six races left to run.

"As always, the priority at Ferrari is the interests of the team," Domenicali is quoted as telling Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"This means that both of our drivers are aware that, if requested, they will help one or the other in the final stages of the championship," he added.

At the end of last season, Massa supported the successful title bid of his teammate, the current reigning world champion Raikkonen.

Domenicali insists: "If the situation had been reversed, then Kimi would have given the same support.

"At the moment there is no hierarchy because, mathematically, with 60 points still available, there is not enough space between them.

"Once that situation changes clearly, then we will act accordingly," Domenicali added.